WH-1000XM6

A Solid Choice, But Not a No-Brainer

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are good headphones that most people will genuinely enjoy using. They sound great, the battery lasts forever, and they fold up nicely for travel. But here's the honest truth: they're not dramatically better than what came before, and they're definitely not the absolute best you can buy at this price.

Let's talk about what actually matters for everyday life. The battery is fantastic. Thirty hours with noise canceling on means you're charging these maybe once a week if you wear them daily. That's huge for busy people. And if you're in a pinch, a quick 3-minute charge gives you 3 hours of listening time, which is genuinely impressive.

The sound quality is solid. Reviewers say the midrange and bass are better than the previous model, and they handle everything from podcasts to music without sounding thin or tinny. They're not going to blow an audiophile's mind, but for most of us listening while commuting or working from home, they sound great.

The voice-calling performance is actually a standout feature. With more microphones and better processing, people on the other end say you sound clear even in noisy environments. If you're on calls all day, that's genuinely valuable.

Here's where I have to be real with you: the build quality feels cheaper than it should at this price. They're light and plastic-y, and the matte finish picks up fingerprints instantly. The new case with the magnetic clasp is nice, but it doesn't make up for the hollow-feeling construction.

Noise cancellation is good but not exceptional. It handles everyday sounds well, but Bose's QuietComfort headphones block out more noise. If you're specifically looking for the best noise canceling money can buy, you might want to compare.

The new features like spatial audio with head tracking are cool, though accessing them isn't always intuitive. The companion app is simpler now, which is good for people who just want to turn on their headphones and go.

At $349 (or $450 full price), you're spending serious money. These are good headphones, but they're not dramatically better than the previous generation, and there are worthy competitors at similar prices. If you already own the XM5, upgrading isn't worth it. If you're shopping fresh, these are a solid option, but shop around first.

The XM6 Problem: Incremental Improvements, Flagship Pricing

Sony's marketing narrative around the WH-1000XM6 centers on the powerful QN3 chip and meaningful audio improvements. The reality is more complicated. Yes, the new processor is seven times more powerful than the QN1 in the XM5, and yes, sound quality has improved. But here's the catch: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra still blocks out more noise, and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 delivers a more controlled sound profile. At $349 (or $450 depending on retailer), you're paying flagship prices for headphones that don't consistently beat the competition.

The build quality issue is the real problem. These headphones feel light and hollow. The plastic construction with a matte finish that attracts fingerprints undermines the premium positioning. Compare this to competitors at the same price tier, and the gap becomes obvious. Tom's Guide's assessment that the build "does not match the price" isn't hyperbole, it's a legitimate engineering choice that prioritizes weight reduction over perceived quality. That's a business decision, and it's the wrong one at this price point.

Comfort is inconsistent. The design upgrades over the XM5 help, and the dual-hinge mechanism does improve the carrying case. But comfort varies based on head shape and headband fit. Some users will love them, others will find them less comfortable than the PX7 S3 or QuietComfort Ultra. That's a problem when you're asking people to spend $350+.

Where the XM6 actually excels is features and battery life. The spatial audio with head tracking works well, voice-calling performance is genuinely excellent thanks to additional microphones, and 30 hours of battery life is solid. The 3-minute quick charge is practical. The companion app is simplified but functional. These are real strengths.

The pricing math doesn't work. A $50 jump over the XM5 for incremental ANC improvements and better features feels aggressive when the Bose alternative offers superior noise cancellation and the Bowers & Wilkins alternative offers superior comfort and sound quality. If you're upgrading from the XM4 or earlier, the case is stronger. If you already own the XM5, Sony's own reviewers say to wait for the next iteration. That's not confidence.

The XM6 are good headphones. Most people will enjoy them. But at this price, good isn't enough when the competition is very good. Sony's built a product that's technically competent but strategically overpriced relative to what it delivers.